Low-profile loudspeaker prices may soon be on the rise, thanks to a 1400% cost increase (since 2008) for the rare-earth metal, neodymium. Shin-Etsu Chemical , which mines neodymium, has announced a 40%, July 1st price increase for the rare earth magnets, which are made into smaller-than-average loudspeaker drivers for such companies as Martin Logan, Definitive Technology, Wisdom Audio, Earthquake, BG Radia, and Totem Acoustic.

Classified as a Rare Earth metal, the main reason for neodymium's skyrocketing prices is due to the Chinese government's mining restrictions and limitations on export quotas. Maybe now's a good time to pick up those on-wall speakers you've had your eye on for some time. Or better yet, maybe you can use this as an opportunity to convince your design-conscious wife that you really do need floorstanding loudspeakers… you know, to save money.